Key Takeaways
- Claudette Masethe receives a monthly allowance of R60,000 from her boyfriend, which she uses to support her household and her seven‑year‑old child.
- Masethe, Vusimuzi Cat Matlala (her brother), Matlala’s wife Tsakane, and Given Makofane appeared in Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on charges related to a fraudulent lease agreement.
- The State opposed bail for Matlala only; the three co‑accused were each granted R20,000 bail.
- Allegations include falsifying bank statements to secure a R95,000 lease for a Waterkloof property using an eSwatini identity document.
- Matlala claimed he instructed Masethe to withdraw R300,000 cash from an FNB branch to pay a bribe to former police minister Bheki Cele, allegedly delivered in a Woolworths shopping bag; Cele denied any business links with Matlala.
- Masethe’s lifestyle includes residence in a luxury Hyde Park development, part‑time law studies (second‑year Diploma in Law), and a past relationship with Bafana Bafana defender Grant Kekana.
- The case has been postponed to 29 October for further investigation, with Matlala expected to file a bail application on 14‑15 October.
Background of the Accused
Claudette Masethe, 31, is the sister of Vusimuzi Cat Matlala and the former director of his company, Medicare24 Tshwane District. Although currently unemployed, she is enrolled as a part‑time law student in her second year of a Diploma in Law. Her boyfriend provides her with a steady monthly allowance of R60,000, which she states is essential for maintaining her household in an upscale Hyde Park development and supporting herself and her seven‑year‑old child. This financial arrangement came to light during her affidavit reading in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, offering the court a glimpse into her relatively affluent lifestyle despite her lack of formal employment.
Court Appearance and Charges
On Wednesday, Masethe appeared alongside her brother Matlala, Matlala’s wife Tsakane, and Given Makofane in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court. The quartet faces charges linked to a fraudulent lease agreement allegedly orchestrated to benefit Matlala. The State contends that the group falsified bank statements to facilitate Matlala’s acquisition of a R95,000 lease for a property situated in the affluent suburb of Waterkloof. Notably, Matlala is said to have used an eSwatini identity document when applying for the lease, a detail that raises questions about the legitimacy of the documentation submitted to the leasing agency.
Bail Decisions and Arrest Details
During the hearing, the court granted R20,000 bail each to Tsakane Matlala, Given Makofane, and Claudette Masethe. The State, however, opposed bail for Vusimuzi Cat Matlala, arguing that his involvement in the alleged fraud warranted continued detention. The three individuals who received bail were arrested on Tuesday by the Gauteng Political Killings Task Team, a specialized unit tasked with investigating politically motivated violence and related criminal enterprises. Their arrest stems directly from the investigation into the falsified lease documentation and the alleged misuse of identity papers.
Allegations of Bribery Involving Bheki Cele
A significant element of the case revolves around claims that Matlala sought to bribe former police minister Bheki Cele. According to Matlala’s testimony, he instructed Masethe to withdraw R300,000 in cash from an FNB branch. He then purportedly handed this sum to Cele, allegedly concealed inside a Woolworths shopping bag. Matlala asserted that Cele had originally demanded R1 million in bribe money but ultimately accepted only half that amount, split into two payments. Cele has publicly denied any business links or illicit dealings with Matlala, characterizing the allegations as baseless and politically motivated.
Connection to Sports Figures
The affidavit also revealed a personal link between Claudette Masethe and Grant Kekana, a defender for Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team (Bafana Bafana). Matlala stated that Masethe and Kekana were previously in a romantic relationship, though they have since broken up. While this detail does not directly pertain to the lease‑fraud charges, it adds a layer of public interest given Kekana’s prominence in South African sport and the media attention that often surrounds athletes’ personal affairs.
Lifestyle and Financial Support
Masethe’s monthly allowance of R60,000 enables her to reside in a luxurious Hyde Park development, a locale known for its high‑end apartments and stringent security. Despite being unemployed, she manages to cover household expenses, childcare, and her part‑time law studies through this financial support. The court’s exposure of this arrangement underscores the disparity between her formal employment status and her actual standard of living, raising questions about the sources and sustainability of her boyfriend’s financial contributions.
Procedural Developments and Next Steps
The magistrate postponed the matter to 29 October to allow for further investigation, particularly concerning the authenticity of the bank statements and the identity document used in the lease application. Matlala is expected to file a formal bail application on 14‑15 October, after which the court will reassess whether continued detention is warranted. Until then, the three co‑accused remain on bail, subject to any conditions the court may impose, while the State continues to build its case around the alleged fraudulent scheme and the bribery accusations involving former Minister Cele.
Implications and Public Interest
The case has attracted considerable public attention due to its intersection of alleged corporate fraud, high‑profile political figures, and connections to South African sports personalities. The allegations of a R60,000 monthly allowance sustaining a seemingly affluent lifestyle while the accused face serious criminal charges highlight broader societal concerns about wealth disclosure, accountability, and the potential misuse of financial resources. As the proceedings continue, the outcome may influence perceptions of how effectively the legal system addresses complex fraud schemes that involve multiple parties, falsified documentation, and alleged bribery attempts targeting former government officials.
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